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Breaking the Fall
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 16, 2026
I really enjoyed the story between Darby and Cole. As far as second chance romances go, this one is actually believable, and I don't begrudge Darby for getting back together with Cole. Their story was so sweet and so raw. My heart hurts for Darby and all that she has been through with her family and her time since leaving Crystal Lake. Cole also hasn't had it easy, his story was too sweet and wholesome, it made me like him all the more. I enjoyed getting a deeper peek into search and rescue and I loved the crew they had. While I'm not an adrenaline junkie, I commend them for their bravery and their willingness to risk their lives to help others.
*Second chance
*Small town
*Search and rescue
*Parental trauma - Darby
Format: ebook
Thank you to Audrey Buchanan and Cracked Pepper Books for the ARC!
I'm excited for Vicky's story, I hope that's book 2!
*Second chance
*Small town
*Search and rescue
*Parental trauma - Darby
Format: ebook
Thank you to Audrey Buchanan and Cracked Pepper Books for the ARC!
I'm excited for Vicky's story, I hope that's book 2!
March 11, 2026
4.5 stars for me.
Darby's coming back home.After seven years she's jobless,no money and decided to volunteer for the SAR team.While struggling with training is hard enough,things can get even harder as Cole her ex boyfriend who broke her heart all those years ago is now her team leader.Her parents made her feel already worthless all her life,and Cole rejection was the last straw,now she need to pretend she can be profesional.Easy right?Wrong.Cole is cold and hot,and soon Darby is more and more confused,does he still have feelings for her?Giving him a second chance is out of question,he broke her heart once so what will stop him to do it again?
Will Darby and Cole remain profesional while she's in training?
It was cute second chance romance.I really was feeling Darby struggles at the training,her sarcasm and thoughts had me snorting with laugh,it's not something I would enjoy and I could feel her pain.Her encounter with Cole was so emotional,her pain so raw it was a heartbreaking moment.Cole as a MMC come out as cold at the beginning,I was not so sure about him,but the blushing and his embarrasing speeches soon won me over,he could not be more hot or sweet.The chemistry between them was out of charts,the banter and fun times was a pleasure to read.I really enjoyed this second chance romance,a great first read for me from this author,and will be grabbing more in the future.
Thank you cracked pepper books and author for copy,my review is honest and my own.
Darby's coming back home.After seven years she's jobless,no money and decided to volunteer for the SAR team.While struggling with training is hard enough,things can get even harder as Cole her ex boyfriend who broke her heart all those years ago is now her team leader.Her parents made her feel already worthless all her life,and Cole rejection was the last straw,now she need to pretend she can be profesional.Easy right?Wrong.Cole is cold and hot,and soon Darby is more and more confused,does he still have feelings for her?Giving him a second chance is out of question,he broke her heart once so what will stop him to do it again?
Will Darby and Cole remain profesional while she's in training?
It was cute second chance romance.I really was feeling Darby struggles at the training,her sarcasm and thoughts had me snorting with laugh,it's not something I would enjoy and I could feel her pain.Her encounter with Cole was so emotional,her pain so raw it was a heartbreaking moment.Cole as a MMC come out as cold at the beginning,I was not so sure about him,but the blushing and his embarrasing speeches soon won me over,he could not be more hot or sweet.The chemistry between them was out of charts,the banter and fun times was a pleasure to read.I really enjoyed this second chance romance,a great first read for me from this author,and will be grabbing more in the future.
Thank you cracked pepper books and author for copy,my review is honest and my own.
February 17, 2026
4.5 Breaking the Fall Stars🪢
Breaking the Fall is a debut novel by Audrey Buchanan and is a must read❣️Darby has returned home after a seven year absence and decides to try something different and join the local SAR Team. Unbeknownst to her though, the man she loved that walked away from her seven years ago is the team leader - will she be able to work alongside him or will the past continuously cause issues?
Coles is the SAR team leader and he carries a secret about why he pushed Darby out of his life seven years ago. He’s nothing like Darby remembers and when the truth comes out, will this break the fragile relationship and trust that they’ve just started to rebuild?
I really enjoyed the story from the get go and enjoyed getting to know the other characters in this story. After that ending I’m eager to find out what happens next and how Vicky, Darby’s best friend moves forward. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️🩹
Breaking the Fall is a debut novel by Audrey Buchanan and is a must read❣️Darby has returned home after a seven year absence and decides to try something different and join the local SAR Team. Unbeknownst to her though, the man she loved that walked away from her seven years ago is the team leader - will she be able to work alongside him or will the past continuously cause issues?
Coles is the SAR team leader and he carries a secret about why he pushed Darby out of his life seven years ago. He’s nothing like Darby remembers and when the truth comes out, will this break the fragile relationship and trust that they’ve just started to rebuild?
I really enjoyed the story from the get go and enjoyed getting to know the other characters in this story. After that ending I’m eager to find out what happens next and how Vicky, Darby’s best friend moves forward. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily leave my honest review❤️🩹
January 28, 2026
Darby's character reminds me of someone who has been beaten down emotionally so much that she believes she is worthless, that no one could possibly love her. That she is a complete failure. She literally throws herself into everything she does in order to prove she isn't a failure. After being fired from her job she decides to go back to her childhood home to hide and lick her wounds hoping her parents, especially her mom doesn't find out she is there. Her mom is the worst and one of the reasons that Darby feels the way she does. While there, Darby decides to volunteer for the SAR team. When she shows up for training she realizes that her team leader is Cole her ex boyfriend, another person who makes her feel unloved, worthless and not worth fighting for. Cole broke her heart when he broke up with her for no apparent reason, at least that is what Darby thought. Boy was she wrong! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Cole's character is really just as messed up as Darby's is. Cole is the man that holds everything together for everyone but himself, he is too busy taking care of everyone else. Cole broke up with Darby because he didn't want to hold her back from her dreams, 7 years later he is still in love with her and wants to try and win her back. This is a story about two people who do everything wrong yet strive to get it right. Thru SAR training, rescues, old and new friends they try and find their HEA. Really good book!
January 29, 2026
This book really stayed with me long after I finished it.
It tells the story of a strong but broken woman who’s been carrying a lot of pain for a long time. She ends up back in a place she once thought as home, forced to face family issues she’s spent years avoiding, and honestly… it feels real. Messy, complicated, and emotional in a way that makes you want to hug the main character and shake her at the same time.
What I loved most is how human she feels. She isn’t perfect. She makes bad choices. She shuts people out. But she keeps going. Watching her slowly work through her trauma and start to figure out who she is again is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Then there’s the man she loved seven years ago. Their reunion isn’t overly dramatic — it’s quiet, awkward, and full of unresolved feelings. You can feel how much history they share in every interaction.
The family dynamics hit hard. The book doesn’t sugarcoat how damaging family can be, even when love exists. Healing isn’t easy or fast, and I appreciated that the author didn’t try to wrap everything up in a neat bow. Some wounds don’t disappear — you just learn how to live with them.
By the end, it isn’t about everything magically being fixed. It’s about growth. About choosing yourself. About realizing you deserve love, peace, and a second chance.
If you like emotional, character-driven stories about healing, second chances, and finding your way back to both love and yourself, this one is definitely worth picking up.
It tells the story of a strong but broken woman who’s been carrying a lot of pain for a long time. She ends up back in a place she once thought as home, forced to face family issues she’s spent years avoiding, and honestly… it feels real. Messy, complicated, and emotional in a way that makes you want to hug the main character and shake her at the same time.
What I loved most is how human she feels. She isn’t perfect. She makes bad choices. She shuts people out. But she keeps going. Watching her slowly work through her trauma and start to figure out who she is again is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
Then there’s the man she loved seven years ago. Their reunion isn’t overly dramatic — it’s quiet, awkward, and full of unresolved feelings. You can feel how much history they share in every interaction.
The family dynamics hit hard. The book doesn’t sugarcoat how damaging family can be, even when love exists. Healing isn’t easy or fast, and I appreciated that the author didn’t try to wrap everything up in a neat bow. Some wounds don’t disappear — you just learn how to live with them.
By the end, it isn’t about everything magically being fixed. It’s about growth. About choosing yourself. About realizing you deserve love, peace, and a second chance.
If you like emotional, character-driven stories about healing, second chances, and finding your way back to both love and yourself, this one is definitely worth picking up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2026
This was a beautiful second-chance romance. Darby grew up enduring verbal abuse from her mother, which deeply affected her self-worth and left her longing for someone who would truly fight for her. Cole is just as emotionally burdened—he’s the one who holds everyone else together, always taking care of others while neglecting himself.
Together, they confront their pasts, work through their struggles, and ultimately earn their happily ever after. I’ve definitely become a big fan of Henley’s lol!! I can’t wait for the next book—especially Vicky’s story.
Together, they confront their pasts, work through their struggles, and ultimately earn their happily ever after. I’ve definitely become a big fan of Henley’s lol!! I can’t wait for the next book—especially Vicky’s story.
February 4, 2026
ARC -read. This was an ok book, a bit meh a bit whatever but overall ok. It was way to detailed in the search and rescue department where time could be spent on developing the characters more. I liked Dharby the FMC, the MMC not so much, he was really boring to be honest and did nothing för me. I am however a bit interested in seeing where the rest of the characters in the book goes in the continuation of the series.
January 29, 2026
I have to say I didn't know what to expect from this book. But I loved it!
The fast paced work of Search & Rescue intertwined with a steamy second-chance love story was just the perfect combination to keep me unable to put this book down.
Looking forward to reading the next in the series!
The fast paced work of Search & Rescue intertwined with a steamy second-chance love story was just the perfect combination to keep me unable to put this book down.
Looking forward to reading the next in the series!
January 21, 2026
I love a good book about second chances. Sometimes things are meant to fall apart so that they can fall back together. Reading Cole and Darbys story really did something to me. I have always been that person that feels like no matter how I try, I will never be enough, that I’m not worthy of love. And Cole, man, he wins boyfriend of the year. Other than making hard choices that were never his to begin with. I’m also guilty of pushing people away so that it hurts less when they do eventually. Honestly, this book gave me some clarity about my own life, and maybe, like Darby, I just some therapy.
January 15, 2026
I had such a good time reading this book—like, seriously. I wasn’t expecting to love the author’s humour this much, but by the second page I had already snorted twice. Yes, this is a romance book, but it also has a much deeper meaning.
Both MCs have to work through their own “baggage,” and the ending was sooooo satisfying. The drama wasn’t overdone, but it also wasn’t nonexistent. That balance really worked for me. Though I will say… there were quite a few ankles injured in the making of this story—if you know, you know.
If you’re after a quick read with an emotional romance (not just physical), I genuinely think you’ll enjoy this. Please check the trigger warnings before reading; there is some spice, along with references to addiction and other heavy themes.
Both MCs have to work through their own “baggage,” and the ending was sooooo satisfying. The drama wasn’t overdone, but it also wasn’t nonexistent. That balance really worked for me. Though I will say… there were quite a few ankles injured in the making of this story—if you know, you know.
If you’re after a quick read with an emotional romance (not just physical), I genuinely think you’ll enjoy this. Please check the trigger warnings before reading; there is some spice, along with references to addiction and other heavy themes.
January 19, 2026
Darby and Cole’s story is one from ups and downs. A second chance story with great characters struggles, trust is difficult after what happend before.
However Darby has a strong personality and gives it her all with everything she does . Hot scenes and a happy ending
However Darby has a strong personality and gives it her all with everything she does . Hot scenes and a happy ending
January 19, 2026
It was a sweet, pull at your heart, and realistic love story. one that some could relate too. I loved the development of the characters. 4 stars only because I felt a few more characters personally could've played a bigger role to excentuate the book.
January 13, 2026
This was a great second chance romance. The characters were great and the story was perfect.
I loved that it felt real like I could know the characters in real life.
I loved that it felt real like I could know the characters in real life.
February 13, 2026
I so enjoyed this exciting story. I loved how Darby persevered through so many obstacles and came out on top. Cole never gives up and he is so protective though also full of secrets. The intriguing details and gripping scenes will have you not want to put this book down. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I didn’t want it to end with so many wonderful characters.
February 5, 2026
When I was chosen to be part of the arc team for this book. And I can honestly say I was skeptical if I was going to actually enjoy this book.
I was so hooked come the second chapter I couldn’t put the book down.
This is a heartbreaking story
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Slow burn to level 4 spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
He falls first🤭
First Person POV
Protective MMC🥵
Steamy Second Chance Romance❤️🩹❤️🩹
Suspenseful wilderness emergencies🆘
Small town charm with atmospheric outdoor scenes 🏘️
Medical rescues and suspense⛑️❤️🔥
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Gave this book 4.9
Darby was in love with Cole and he broke her heart making her think she wasn’t worthy of love so she left and build a future for her self 7 years later she lost her job and went back to crystal lake and was staying in her moms cabin hiding away. deciding to join the SAR team and got accepted to do so. Until the first day and her SAR team leader is no one other then Cole. The one who shattered her heart 7 year ago when he broke up with her with no explanation and now she had to deal with him. She always thought she wasn’t worthy of love and her mother drilled that in her head she wasn’t good enough she was the worst. Darby was a damaged girl from her mom to Cole. But she never got over Cole no matter how hard she tried.
Cole was still in love with Darby and finely tells her why he broke up with her and didn’t try to get her to stay. She told him she was accept to Stanford and that same night he broke up with her so he wasn’t holding her back so she could go and make her dreams come true which she did but left her lonely and struggling. Cole is a great character in this book he is strong and protective of his family and her and it’s so sweet. They got a second change to make the love of his life fall back in love with him and he isn’t going to let her go this time or so we thought.
But Darby found her home where she least expected and SAR team made her more happier then her coding career. The team mates felt like family and even tho her and Cole did everything wrong there try to make everything right between them to reach there happily ever after.
Enjoyed the spicy parts of this book. It was a lot but it’s was in my opinion just the right amount! Definitely had that deep love in every sense!! They were made for each other.
I honestly was sad that this story stop I wanted so much more. But hopefully it will continue in the next book which I cannot wait to read it. I hope to read more bout Cole and Darby. But want to know more about Vicki (darbys bff) 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Thank you so much for allowing me to be on ur arc team. I enjoyed it and ur book so much :)
I was so hooked come the second chapter I couldn’t put the book down.
This is a heartbreaking story
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Slow burn to level 4 spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
He falls first🤭
First Person POV
Protective MMC🥵
Steamy Second Chance Romance❤️🩹❤️🩹
Suspenseful wilderness emergencies🆘
Small town charm with atmospheric outdoor scenes 🏘️
Medical rescues and suspense⛑️❤️🔥
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Gave this book 4.9
Darby was in love with Cole and he broke her heart making her think she wasn’t worthy of love so she left and build a future for her self 7 years later she lost her job and went back to crystal lake and was staying in her moms cabin hiding away. deciding to join the SAR team and got accepted to do so. Until the first day and her SAR team leader is no one other then Cole. The one who shattered her heart 7 year ago when he broke up with her with no explanation and now she had to deal with him. She always thought she wasn’t worthy of love and her mother drilled that in her head she wasn’t good enough she was the worst. Darby was a damaged girl from her mom to Cole. But she never got over Cole no matter how hard she tried.
Cole was still in love with Darby and finely tells her why he broke up with her and didn’t try to get her to stay. She told him she was accept to Stanford and that same night he broke up with her so he wasn’t holding her back so she could go and make her dreams come true which she did but left her lonely and struggling. Cole is a great character in this book he is strong and protective of his family and her and it’s so sweet. They got a second change to make the love of his life fall back in love with him and he isn’t going to let her go this time or so we thought.
But Darby found her home where she least expected and SAR team made her more happier then her coding career. The team mates felt like family and even tho her and Cole did everything wrong there try to make everything right between them to reach there happily ever after.
Enjoyed the spicy parts of this book. It was a lot but it’s was in my opinion just the right amount! Definitely had that deep love in every sense!! They were made for each other.
I honestly was sad that this story stop I wanted so much more. But hopefully it will continue in the next book which I cannot wait to read it. I hope to read more bout Cole and Darby. But want to know more about Vicki (darbys bff) 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Thank you so much for allowing me to be on ur arc team. I enjoyed it and ur book so much :)
February 2, 2026
Breaking the Fall – Audrey Buchanan
“I am going to die.”
And honestly? That opening line tells you everything you need to know about this book’s energy.
Breaking the Fall is a second-chance romance wrapped in adrenaline, grief, and unfinished love. Darby is freshly burned by the tech world—laid off, betrayed, and hollowed out—and impulsively joins a volunteer Search and Rescue team in her hometown, hoping physical danger might quiet the emotional wreckage. What she doesn’t expect is Cole Harper: her first love, the boy who shattered her heart seven years ago, now her SAR team leader.
What follows is a slow, emotionally charged collision between past and present. This isn’t a romance that rushes forgiveness. Audrey Buchanan lets the resentment breathe. The miscommunication hurts. The longing hurts worse. Every shared rescue, every almost-kiss, every quiet domestic moment is weighted with history and things left unsaid. Cole isn’t rewritten as a perfect man—he’s flawed, guarded, and painfully human—and Darby’s journey is just as much about reclaiming her worth as it is about falling back in love.
The SAR setting adds real stakes. The rescues are tense, visceral, and grounding, mirroring Darby’s internal fight to stop treating her own life as expendable. And when the romance finally ignites, the intimacy feels earned—raw, emotional, and deeply connected, not just physically but psychologically. This is one of those books where the love scenes don’t just turn up the heat; they crack characters open.
At its core, Breaking the Fall is about being seen—really seen—after failure, after abandonment, after believing you were easy to forget. It’s about love that never fully disappeared, only went quiet.
If you love:
second-chance romance
forced proximity
competent, protective MMCs
emotionally wounded FMCs
high-stakes settings + deep feelings
…this one will absolutely wreck you in the best way.
💔➡️❤️🩹 Highly recommend.
“I am going to die.”
And honestly? That opening line tells you everything you need to know about this book’s energy.
Breaking the Fall is a second-chance romance wrapped in adrenaline, grief, and unfinished love. Darby is freshly burned by the tech world—laid off, betrayed, and hollowed out—and impulsively joins a volunteer Search and Rescue team in her hometown, hoping physical danger might quiet the emotional wreckage. What she doesn’t expect is Cole Harper: her first love, the boy who shattered her heart seven years ago, now her SAR team leader.
What follows is a slow, emotionally charged collision between past and present. This isn’t a romance that rushes forgiveness. Audrey Buchanan lets the resentment breathe. The miscommunication hurts. The longing hurts worse. Every shared rescue, every almost-kiss, every quiet domestic moment is weighted with history and things left unsaid. Cole isn’t rewritten as a perfect man—he’s flawed, guarded, and painfully human—and Darby’s journey is just as much about reclaiming her worth as it is about falling back in love.
The SAR setting adds real stakes. The rescues are tense, visceral, and grounding, mirroring Darby’s internal fight to stop treating her own life as expendable. And when the romance finally ignites, the intimacy feels earned—raw, emotional, and deeply connected, not just physically but psychologically. This is one of those books where the love scenes don’t just turn up the heat; they crack characters open.
At its core, Breaking the Fall is about being seen—really seen—after failure, after abandonment, after believing you were easy to forget. It’s about love that never fully disappeared, only went quiet.
If you love:
second-chance romance
forced proximity
competent, protective MMCs
emotionally wounded FMCs
high-stakes settings + deep feelings
…this one will absolutely wreck you in the best way.
💔➡️❤️🩹 Highly recommend.
January 23, 2026
Breaking the Fall is a high-stakes ascent toward self-worth and forgiveness. In the contemporary romance space what more could you ask for… this read is a breath of fresh mountain air! Not only is it witty and fast paced but it is also suspenseful in the most jagged, heart-pounding way! What a fantastic read!
The world building is phenomenal! The characteristic of the action within feels well thought-out and researched, making it so easy to slip in and enjoy it! I was so caught up it felt like I was living out the scenes not just reading them! The action is high-powered and high-stakes and I loved every second!
The main Female characters journey is refreshingly relatable. Her journey isn’t just about second chances at love, it’s full of emotional and physical hurdles and obstacles that she must overcome, and only she herself can discover her self-worth again! She is full of grit and determination-I absolutely love the strong female lead!
The chemistry between the main female character and the main male character is all consuming tension filled steam! If you love forced proximity tropes, you must pick this read up! Breaking the Fall handles the second chance at love trope with maturity and grace. It not only addresses the reason for their breakup without making the tension feel arranged. The focus remains on the main characters growth in the here and now. It questions the idea that we must earn love or demonstrate our value through achievements, offering emotional recognition for us readers along for the ride.
My Final Verdict:
Breaking the Fall is a read that feels like the perfect blend of the precise, witty rugged, gripping atmosphere of an action novel with the soft, sweet, and seemingly romantic feels that come along with a romance novel. It deals with the heavy topics of surrender and secret-keeping but never loses the hopeful sequence that makes a great romance.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The world building is phenomenal! The characteristic of the action within feels well thought-out and researched, making it so easy to slip in and enjoy it! I was so caught up it felt like I was living out the scenes not just reading them! The action is high-powered and high-stakes and I loved every second!
The main Female characters journey is refreshingly relatable. Her journey isn’t just about second chances at love, it’s full of emotional and physical hurdles and obstacles that she must overcome, and only she herself can discover her self-worth again! She is full of grit and determination-I absolutely love the strong female lead!
The chemistry between the main female character and the main male character is all consuming tension filled steam! If you love forced proximity tropes, you must pick this read up! Breaking the Fall handles the second chance at love trope with maturity and grace. It not only addresses the reason for their breakup without making the tension feel arranged. The focus remains on the main characters growth in the here and now. It questions the idea that we must earn love or demonstrate our value through achievements, offering emotional recognition for us readers along for the ride.
My Final Verdict:
Breaking the Fall is a read that feels like the perfect blend of the precise, witty rugged, gripping atmosphere of an action novel with the soft, sweet, and seemingly romantic feels that come along with a romance novel. It deals with the heavy topics of surrender and secret-keeping but never loses the hopeful sequence that makes a great romance.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
January 29, 2026
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶🌶🌶
In “Breaking The Fall”, we have Cole & Darby in a gripping second chance action story. Cole and Darby were previously together in high school, but Darby left their small town with a broken heart with no explanation as to why.
7 years later, Darby returns home to rebuild herself after being let go from her big girl job and broken in more than one way. She randomly decides to try for the local Search and Rescue team, only to come face to face with Cole who’s her leader (well literally at his feet).
Darby and Cole are very relatable, especially Darby. Years of verbal abuse due to her mother, it will traumatize anyone. Cole, in his good intentions, learned a hard lesson with Darby. Taking control (unintentionally) of someone’s life is not the right way to go.
Darby’s consistency of taking control of what she considers weak, conquers it then moves on to the next thing is her established go to for all things in her life. Vicky, her best friend, justifiably calls her out for not being there for her friends, but expects everyone to be there for herself. Granted, she doesn’t mean to do it.
When you learn the reason why Cole shattered Darby’s heart, you understand it. That same reason is why there is a 3rd act “breakup” but what Darby truly wants is someone to fight FOR her.
Both Cole and Darby give each other misunderstandings, but ultimately they realize with self inflection that they both must communicate to each other to get their HEA.
*I will say I wanted to drop kick Emily, his sister. I also wanted to give Vicky a big hug and also a high five for calling Darby out.
All in all, 10/10 and I’m looking forward to Vicki’s story next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you!
Spice:🌶🌶🌶
In “Breaking The Fall”, we have Cole & Darby in a gripping second chance action story. Cole and Darby were previously together in high school, but Darby left their small town with a broken heart with no explanation as to why.
7 years later, Darby returns home to rebuild herself after being let go from her big girl job and broken in more than one way. She randomly decides to try for the local Search and Rescue team, only to come face to face with Cole who’s her leader (well literally at his feet).
Darby and Cole are very relatable, especially Darby. Years of verbal abuse due to her mother, it will traumatize anyone. Cole, in his good intentions, learned a hard lesson with Darby. Taking control (unintentionally) of someone’s life is not the right way to go.
Darby’s consistency of taking control of what she considers weak, conquers it then moves on to the next thing is her established go to for all things in her life. Vicky, her best friend, justifiably calls her out for not being there for her friends, but expects everyone to be there for herself. Granted, she doesn’t mean to do it.
When you learn the reason why Cole shattered Darby’s heart, you understand it. That same reason is why there is a 3rd act “breakup” but what Darby truly wants is someone to fight FOR her.
Both Cole and Darby give each other misunderstandings, but ultimately they realize with self inflection that they both must communicate to each other to get their HEA.
*I will say I wanted to drop kick Emily, his sister. I also wanted to give Vicky a big hug and also a high five for calling Darby out.
All in all, 10/10 and I’m looking forward to Vicki’s story next!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you!
February 1, 2026
Cole and Darby’s story was quite a hard one to read and review…. Because, the characters really threw me, and I really struggled to get past their initial behaviour towards Darby.
Initially, this SAR crew are horrible. For people who apparently want to do good, there’s a whole lot of nasty going on. And I just wanted Darby to pack up and leave. A hostile work environment, especially when its volunteer based is not the place to be.
Darby was betrayed by pretty much everyone in her life, whether it though manipulation, neglect, or even in Cole’s place freezing her out and dumping her seven years ago.
Her mother…. Ugh!!!! Don’t even get me started.
She’s been treated so poorly by everyone in her life that she accepts the bare minimum (and the blame that they all want to put on her).
This was told, essentially from Darby’s POV, and she had my sympathy the entire way through. She’s not the traditional ‘strong’ FMC that we want, but she had her own style, and I was rootign for her the entire way through.
I knew that Cole was end game, but I really wish that he did some serious grovelling for the past (and the current dramas). Admittedly, he was messed up from his family situation, and what he did at the end was pretty good, but it wasn’t quite enough for me (I’m petty that way).
Her ‘friend’ Vicky… nah… not a fan. It’s easy to see that she has her won story coming up, and I’m hoping she’s a nicer character (and better friend) in that one.
Safety squad…
No cheating, they both had other aprtners during their separation (despite his claiims of ‘loving her’), A lot of frustrating back and forth, dangerous rescue situations (life a& death), nd substance abuse (not MMC/FMC).
Initially, this SAR crew are horrible. For people who apparently want to do good, there’s a whole lot of nasty going on. And I just wanted Darby to pack up and leave. A hostile work environment, especially when its volunteer based is not the place to be.
Darby was betrayed by pretty much everyone in her life, whether it though manipulation, neglect, or even in Cole’s place freezing her out and dumping her seven years ago.
Her mother…. Ugh!!!! Don’t even get me started.
She’s been treated so poorly by everyone in her life that she accepts the bare minimum (and the blame that they all want to put on her).
This was told, essentially from Darby’s POV, and she had my sympathy the entire way through. She’s not the traditional ‘strong’ FMC that we want, but she had her own style, and I was rootign for her the entire way through.
I knew that Cole was end game, but I really wish that he did some serious grovelling for the past (and the current dramas). Admittedly, he was messed up from his family situation, and what he did at the end was pretty good, but it wasn’t quite enough for me (I’m petty that way).
Her ‘friend’ Vicky… nah… not a fan. It’s easy to see that she has her won story coming up, and I’m hoping she’s a nicer character (and better friend) in that one.
Safety squad…
No cheating, they both had other aprtners during their separation (despite his claiims of ‘loving her’), A lot of frustrating back and forth, dangerous rescue situations (life a& death), nd substance abuse (not MMC/FMC).
February 11, 2026
BREAKING THE FALL by AUDREY BUCHANAN ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Breaking The Fall is the first (#1) book in the CRYSTAL LAKE SEARCH AND RESCUE series.
When Darby Hayes returns home to Crystal Lake, with her tail between her legs after being fired, she joins the local Search And Rescue team.
What she’s not prepared for is her team leader being none other than Cole Harper, the man who broke her heart some 7 years previous, and the reason she left Crystal Lake in the first place.
Darby must navigate not only her training, cliff rescues and cave extractions but also her unrequited feelings for Cole.……
——————————
This is the first book by Audrey Buchanan I have read and I certainly wasn’t disappointed!
I really enjoyed the pace of this story, it felt honest. The SAR scenes were well written and the peril was on point.
The two MC’s were great as were the side characters (especially the SAR crew). I would have liked to see some conclusion to Darby’s issues with her mother.
There was a delicious teaser at the end for the next book - really draws you in to want to know what will happen.
There are open door spicy scenes in this book but they are tastefully written. The emotional side of their relationship was the highlight and it was well written- you could relate to both MCs issues.
I read an ebook version of this book, with around 300 pages, great editing and a couples cover.
With thanks to Audrey Buchanan and Cracked Pepper Books for the chance to read this delightful book.
🧗 Second Chance Romance
🧗 Found Family
🧗 Slow Burn
🧗Spicy 🔥🔥🔥
🧗 MFC pov
Breaking The Fall is the first (#1) book in the CRYSTAL LAKE SEARCH AND RESCUE series.
When Darby Hayes returns home to Crystal Lake, with her tail between her legs after being fired, she joins the local Search And Rescue team.
What she’s not prepared for is her team leader being none other than Cole Harper, the man who broke her heart some 7 years previous, and the reason she left Crystal Lake in the first place.
Darby must navigate not only her training, cliff rescues and cave extractions but also her unrequited feelings for Cole.……
——————————
This is the first book by Audrey Buchanan I have read and I certainly wasn’t disappointed!
I really enjoyed the pace of this story, it felt honest. The SAR scenes were well written and the peril was on point.
The two MC’s were great as were the side characters (especially the SAR crew). I would have liked to see some conclusion to Darby’s issues with her mother.
There was a delicious teaser at the end for the next book - really draws you in to want to know what will happen.
There are open door spicy scenes in this book but they are tastefully written. The emotional side of their relationship was the highlight and it was well written- you could relate to both MCs issues.
I read an ebook version of this book, with around 300 pages, great editing and a couples cover.
With thanks to Audrey Buchanan and Cracked Pepper Books for the chance to read this delightful book.
🧗 Second Chance Romance
🧗 Found Family
🧗 Slow Burn
🧗Spicy 🔥🔥🔥
🧗 MFC pov
February 1, 2026
This is an engaging and action filled search and rescue romance. There is so much high-stakes action and SARs immersion (pretty sure I’m ready to go save lives too now). I was connected to and intrigued by the characters & their journeys. Single POV, 1st person. 300 pages. 3.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 spice
Loved the character ARC for the FMC. She’s strong and full of grit and flaws, and working hard emotionally and physically to rebuild herself. Her journey was beautiful (and painful). The romance was so nicely written and doesn’t rely on the spice to make the connection. Wish I had more of the support crew details/action but what we did have was entertaining and sets up for the next book nicely. The immersion into the search and rescue world is strong and so intriguing. I feel like I could join SARs now!
I had a hard time rating this. There are a few key things missing that would make this a 4 star. This is a big one for me: we use their past relationship as the basis for their chemistry, but we never explore it. We just go right into having chemistry without getting to read about it. I want the meet cute / the stories / the experience / the heartache, But this is a 300 page book, so…Second, there are a few plot fillers / story lines that have holes (eg if you leave a job, what happened to your apartment, where’s your stuff, etc). Tiny stuff that falls thru the cracks but doesn’t impact the story line but hurts my brain when reading.
Loved the character ARC for the FMC. She’s strong and full of grit and flaws, and working hard emotionally and physically to rebuild herself. Her journey was beautiful (and painful). The romance was so nicely written and doesn’t rely on the spice to make the connection. Wish I had more of the support crew details/action but what we did have was entertaining and sets up for the next book nicely. The immersion into the search and rescue world is strong and so intriguing. I feel like I could join SARs now!
I had a hard time rating this. There are a few key things missing that would make this a 4 star. This is a big one for me: we use their past relationship as the basis for their chemistry, but we never explore it. We just go right into having chemistry without getting to read about it. I want the meet cute / the stories / the experience / the heartache, But this is a 300 page book, so…Second, there are a few plot fillers / story lines that have holes (eg if you leave a job, what happened to your apartment, where’s your stuff, etc). Tiny stuff that falls thru the cracks but doesn’t impact the story line but hurts my brain when reading.
February 7, 2026
This book was so close to perfect for me.
The plot was strong, engaging, and emotionally grounded. From the beginning, I felt fully invested in the story and the direction it was heading. Everything unfolded in a way that felt intentional and well thought out, with tension and momentum that kept me turning pages.
The characters were outstanding. They felt real, layered, and easy to connect with. Their emotions, struggles, and growth were written beautifully, and I genuinely cared about what happened to them. The relationship development felt natural and earned, which made every moment hit harder.
The spice was good, but limited. The scenes that were there were well written and fit the story, but there were only a couple, and they stayed on the vanilla side. For me, spice only hits five stars when there is either more of it or it pushes beyond vanilla, whether through intensity or kink. That said, what was included worked well and never felt awkward or out of place.
The ending was excellent. It was satisfying, emotional, and wrapped things up in a way that felt complete while still leaving me excited for what is coming next. It absolutely stuck the landing.
Overall, Breaking the Fall was a fantastic read and easily one of my favorites. With a five-star plot, characters, and ending, it delivered almost everything I look for in a book. I am very excited to continue the series as the next installments are released and cannot wait to return to this world.
The plot was strong, engaging, and emotionally grounded. From the beginning, I felt fully invested in the story and the direction it was heading. Everything unfolded in a way that felt intentional and well thought out, with tension and momentum that kept me turning pages.
The characters were outstanding. They felt real, layered, and easy to connect with. Their emotions, struggles, and growth were written beautifully, and I genuinely cared about what happened to them. The relationship development felt natural and earned, which made every moment hit harder.
The spice was good, but limited. The scenes that were there were well written and fit the story, but there were only a couple, and they stayed on the vanilla side. For me, spice only hits five stars when there is either more of it or it pushes beyond vanilla, whether through intensity or kink. That said, what was included worked well and never felt awkward or out of place.
The ending was excellent. It was satisfying, emotional, and wrapped things up in a way that felt complete while still leaving me excited for what is coming next. It absolutely stuck the landing.
Overall, Breaking the Fall was a fantastic read and easily one of my favorites. With a five-star plot, characters, and ending, it delivered almost everything I look for in a book. I am very excited to continue the series as the next installments are released and cannot wait to return to this world.
February 7, 2026
** ARC Review Incoming **
Thank you to Audrey Buchanan and Cracked Pepper Books for allowing me to be part of the Arc Team and for giving me a free copy of this book.
I really really enjoyed this!!! It had so much packed into it!
The writing style took me a bit to get into but I think it’s because it wasn’t the final copy of the book. Once I got into it I couldn’t stop! I read it in 1 sitting and didn’t get to bed until 1am!!
Tue character building was brilliant! Both main characters are so relatable, no billionaires, pop stars or mafia bosses - this is essentially is a second chance romance built from the heartache of normal life. How people change, grow and deal with the tribulations of family, addiction and everything inbetween.
I loved the other characters! The author has written them well enough to spark curiosity and lay a foundation for more books to come.
I also loved the rescue detail! It helps to understand the characters but it’s also exciting and fun! There is a lot of descriptive writing about the training and rescues that some might find too much but I loved it! It made the book for me, complimented the romance and was interesting factor to centre the book around.
My reason for not giving it 5 stars was purely because I struggled with the first chapter. It didn’t flow well for me but after that it was great!!
I am very much looking forward to the next books in the series!
Thank you to Audrey Buchanan and Cracked Pepper Books for allowing me to be part of the Arc Team and for giving me a free copy of this book.
I really really enjoyed this!!! It had so much packed into it!
The writing style took me a bit to get into but I think it’s because it wasn’t the final copy of the book. Once I got into it I couldn’t stop! I read it in 1 sitting and didn’t get to bed until 1am!!
Tue character building was brilliant! Both main characters are so relatable, no billionaires, pop stars or mafia bosses - this is essentially is a second chance romance built from the heartache of normal life. How people change, grow and deal with the tribulations of family, addiction and everything inbetween.
I loved the other characters! The author has written them well enough to spark curiosity and lay a foundation for more books to come.
I also loved the rescue detail! It helps to understand the characters but it’s also exciting and fun! There is a lot of descriptive writing about the training and rescues that some might find too much but I loved it! It made the book for me, complimented the romance and was interesting factor to centre the book around.
My reason for not giving it 5 stars was purely because I struggled with the first chapter. It didn’t flow well for me but after that it was great!!
I am very much looking forward to the next books in the series!
February 23, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
This was an emotional, suspense-filled second-chance romance that completely pulled me in. The miscommunication between Darby and Cole added just the right amount of tension, especially knowing how much history and unresolved hurt stood between them. Their second chance didn’t feel rushed or unrealistic; it felt earned.
What really made it hard to put down was the added suspense of them both being part of the Search and Rescue team. The danger and high-stakes situations layered perfectly with their emotional struggles, creating a story that balanced romance and adrenaline so well.
Both Darby and Cole carry deep past trauma, and those wounds complicate their path back to each other in very real ways. I appreciated that their healing wasn’t simple. The way they struggled, clashed, and eventually learned to work together and find solutions felt authentic. Their journey shows how trauma can shape us in ways that feel irreversible, and how love sometimes requires compromise, vulnerability, and confronting what’s been ingrained in us for years.
The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars for me is that it did drag a bit in places. Some sections felt longer than necessary before getting to the point, which slowed the pacing slightly.
Overall, though, this was a heartfelt, suspenseful story about second chances, facing your past, and choosing to grow for the people you love.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was an emotional, suspense-filled second-chance romance that completely pulled me in. The miscommunication between Darby and Cole added just the right amount of tension, especially knowing how much history and unresolved hurt stood between them. Their second chance didn’t feel rushed or unrealistic; it felt earned.
What really made it hard to put down was the added suspense of them both being part of the Search and Rescue team. The danger and high-stakes situations layered perfectly with their emotional struggles, creating a story that balanced romance and adrenaline so well.
Both Darby and Cole carry deep past trauma, and those wounds complicate their path back to each other in very real ways. I appreciated that their healing wasn’t simple. The way they struggled, clashed, and eventually learned to work together and find solutions felt authentic. Their journey shows how trauma can shape us in ways that feel irreversible, and how love sometimes requires compromise, vulnerability, and confronting what’s been ingrained in us for years.
The only reason this wasn’t a full five stars for me is that it did drag a bit in places. Some sections felt longer than necessary before getting to the point, which slowed the pacing slightly.
Overall, though, this was a heartfelt, suspenseful story about second chances, facing your past, and choosing to grow for the people you love.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 13, 2026
Darby left home to pursue a dream, but without Cole and she never knew why Cole didn’t go with her. She lived her dream for seven years and was successful – until one day her boss told her it was time to move on. Broken, she returned to the home she’d grown up in even though it was vacant. Not able to think about her future, she decided to try Search and Rescue (SARS), something as far from what she’d been doing as she could get. Then came the physical challenges and she discovered her team leader was none other than Cole. That added to her determination to succeed.
This is a second chances trope with both Cole and Darby never moving on past their connection with any luck. The dynamics between them shift from the impersonal to the personal and even with Cole’s explanation of why he ended it at graduation, tension comes and goes as they navigate their relationship as adults. Sparks fly in more ways than one and the “spice” promised is definitely present. The book is well-written and there is plenty of action both in the rescues and the romance. It will be interesting to see where Buchanan goes next – there are still issues to be resolved with Darby’s career and friction with her mother.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
This is a second chances trope with both Cole and Darby never moving on past their connection with any luck. The dynamics between them shift from the impersonal to the personal and even with Cole’s explanation of why he ended it at graduation, tension comes and goes as they navigate their relationship as adults. Sparks fly in more ways than one and the “spice” promised is definitely present. The book is well-written and there is plenty of action both in the rescues and the romance. It will be interesting to see where Buchanan goes next – there are still issues to be resolved with Darby’s career and friction with her mother.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.
February 19, 2026
This was an advanced ready copy I received from the author, but my opinions are my own.
This book had a lot of what I love in a romance -second chance, high stakes, lots of action and some great side characters. That said, it also had some things I didn’t love as much. Like we are pretty well into the story before we even know what truly broke them up to begin with. We have one POV (our FMC) and she isn’t even interested in really getting his side of things. Our FMC and MMC have a familiarity and chemistry with one another because of their past, but we miss out on the way it developed initially.
I did enjoy the growth in the FMC. She goes from a woman who dives into one thing after the next as a way to avoid communicating about feelings, to being someone who recognizes some things are worth facing and staying for. Our MMC goes through his own journey of self-discovery and realizes he doesn’t have to pause or set aside things he really wants to be there for others.
I loved that all this personal drama and relationship ups/downs happens around a search and rescue backdrop. The missions were written in such a way that you felt the intensity of them on the page. You felt like you were part of the action and the fear and relief that goes along with it.
Overall a very enjoyable read, and one I’ll recommend.
This book had a lot of what I love in a romance -second chance, high stakes, lots of action and some great side characters. That said, it also had some things I didn’t love as much. Like we are pretty well into the story before we even know what truly broke them up to begin with. We have one POV (our FMC) and she isn’t even interested in really getting his side of things. Our FMC and MMC have a familiarity and chemistry with one another because of their past, but we miss out on the way it developed initially.
I did enjoy the growth in the FMC. She goes from a woman who dives into one thing after the next as a way to avoid communicating about feelings, to being someone who recognizes some things are worth facing and staying for. Our MMC goes through his own journey of self-discovery and realizes he doesn’t have to pause or set aside things he really wants to be there for others.
I loved that all this personal drama and relationship ups/downs happens around a search and rescue backdrop. The missions were written in such a way that you felt the intensity of them on the page. You felt like you were part of the action and the fear and relief that goes along with it.
Overall a very enjoyable read, and one I’ll recommend.
February 23, 2026
✨⭐️✨⭐️✨. I couldn’t put this down! Keep in mind the star review is based off of MY interests!
Darby has just lost her job and decided she wants to start search and rescue. She moves back home where her high school love, Cole, left her high and dry and dumped her on one of the most important days of her life.
Cole is head of the search and rescue team Darby joins. Cole is cold and distant and carries the weight of everyone else’s problems on his shoulders.
I really could not put this book down‼️‼️ It was so exciting and had lots of different search/rescue operations which was some of my favorite parts. It touched on some heavy topics but didn’t overdo it. Darby’s character grew through the whole book, even though sometimes I wanted to tell her to “shut up and let him talk.” 😂 Cole was patient and understanding but still made me cringe with some of his decisions. Both of them had many layers to get through.
The secondary characters were very comical to me and all had their own personalities. Rick was the brooding “you can’t do this” guy, Felix was the oblivious friend who was just always happy. Second book with Felix and Vicky??? Vicky was the best friend who told Cole like it was. They each had a role in the story man did it work to give the story the extra depth!
You should read this if you enjoy: search and rescue thrill, romance, second chances, minimal spice that’s tasteful, touches on chemical dependency.
Darby has just lost her job and decided she wants to start search and rescue. She moves back home where her high school love, Cole, left her high and dry and dumped her on one of the most important days of her life.
Cole is head of the search and rescue team Darby joins. Cole is cold and distant and carries the weight of everyone else’s problems on his shoulders.
I really could not put this book down‼️‼️ It was so exciting and had lots of different search/rescue operations which was some of my favorite parts. It touched on some heavy topics but didn’t overdo it. Darby’s character grew through the whole book, even though sometimes I wanted to tell her to “shut up and let him talk.” 😂 Cole was patient and understanding but still made me cringe with some of his decisions. Both of them had many layers to get through.
The secondary characters were very comical to me and all had their own personalities. Rick was the brooding “you can’t do this” guy, Felix was the oblivious friend who was just always happy. Second book with Felix and Vicky??? Vicky was the best friend who told Cole like it was. They each had a role in the story man did it work to give the story the extra depth!
You should read this if you enjoy: search and rescue thrill, romance, second chances, minimal spice that’s tasteful, touches on chemical dependency.
March 8, 2026
✨ I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own. ✨
"I'd wait for it all over again. I'd wait for you a hundred times. I'd wait for you forever."
I read this book in a day. I was absolutely hooked by this beautiful story. Our FMC, Darby, was dealt a hard hand and returned home wanting to try a new path in a search and rescue squad, everything was against her and there were multiple times where she wanted to give up, but after she experiences her first rescue, she refuses to give up. Insert our MMC, Cole, the search and rescue leader and her ex boyfriend, who she hasn't seen in seven years. The tension is sooo good, the slow burn is agonizing, but the love is so beautiful. Cole yearnnnnns for my girl. Darby doesn't have the best parents, nor the best times growing up, and feels that she's not worth anything but her accomplishments, so overworks and wears herself out to prove that she's worthy of the basic things in life, including love and Cole is so good at reassuring her, and picking her up when she needs, and loves her so hard. This book had me laughing out loud, crying, sweating, a little claustrophobic, and a whole lot of kicking feet. This was my first read by Audrey, and I will be picking up book two. This second chance romance, is sooooo good. Absolutely ate this book up.
Out today! 💕
⭐️- 4.3/5
🌶️-2/5
"I'd wait for it all over again. I'd wait for you a hundred times. I'd wait for you forever."
I read this book in a day. I was absolutely hooked by this beautiful story. Our FMC, Darby, was dealt a hard hand and returned home wanting to try a new path in a search and rescue squad, everything was against her and there were multiple times where she wanted to give up, but after she experiences her first rescue, she refuses to give up. Insert our MMC, Cole, the search and rescue leader and her ex boyfriend, who she hasn't seen in seven years. The tension is sooo good, the slow burn is agonizing, but the love is so beautiful. Cole yearnnnnns for my girl. Darby doesn't have the best parents, nor the best times growing up, and feels that she's not worth anything but her accomplishments, so overworks and wears herself out to prove that she's worthy of the basic things in life, including love and Cole is so good at reassuring her, and picking her up when she needs, and loves her so hard. This book had me laughing out loud, crying, sweating, a little claustrophobic, and a whole lot of kicking feet. This was my first read by Audrey, and I will be picking up book two. This second chance romance, is sooooo good. Absolutely ate this book up.
Out today! 💕
⭐️- 4.3/5
🌶️-2/5
March 2, 2026
From the very start Cole intrigued me, his character development and story had me in an absolute choke hold. Darby also had me hooked from the very start. I really enjoyed the high stakes moments of this book, it was so wonderfully written. The characters in this book all went through some form of character development my favorite being Cole and Darby of course. Everyone loves an MMC and FMC who are willing to work on themselves. I'm also excited to see some of the other characters in the continuation of the series, I will certainly be visiting Crystal Lake again in the future!
Darby is a determined powerhouse who doesn't give up, when she sets a goal she puts her whole self into achieving it, sometimes forgetting basic needs. She seems to put her self worth into these achievements as she grew up verbally abused. Cole also had a lot of emotional baggage to work through.
I really enjoyed the details of the Search and Rescue portion of this book, I didn't feel lost on the topic and was able to keep up with what was going on and just how high stakes moments were. Overall this was an awesome Second chance romance! I highly recommend reading this one!
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book and am thankful to share my honest thoughts!
Darby is a determined powerhouse who doesn't give up, when she sets a goal she puts her whole self into achieving it, sometimes forgetting basic needs. She seems to put her self worth into these achievements as she grew up verbally abused. Cole also had a lot of emotional baggage to work through.
I really enjoyed the details of the Search and Rescue portion of this book, I didn't feel lost on the topic and was able to keep up with what was going on and just how high stakes moments were. Overall this was an awesome Second chance romance! I highly recommend reading this one!
I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book and am thankful to share my honest thoughts!
January 29, 2026
Breaking the Fall by Audrey Buchanan is a second-chance romance wrapped in Search & Rescue gear and emotional damage (the good kind). Darby returns home after losing her job and joins the SAR team to rebuild herself—only to land face-first back into her past when her ex, Cole, turns out to be her team leader. Cue cliff rescues, unresolved heartbreak, and feelings doing parkour.
I really loved Darby’s journey from feeling completely worthless to slowly finding her strength again—she throws herself into SAR training like she’s trying to outrun her trauma. Cole, meanwhile, is the classic “holds everyone together except himself” hero, and once his real reason for leaving Darby comes out? Oof. Right in the heart. Boyfriend of the year… eventually.
Buchanan’s writing shines in the emotional moments and rescue scenes—they’re tense and immersive. A few internal struggles dragged a bit, but the chemistry and character growth kept me hooked.
Overall, this is a heartfelt story about two broken people doing everything wrong while trying desperately to get it right. Emotional, romantic, and surprisingly healing. Solid 4 stars—and yes, I may now need therapy, just like Darby.
I really loved Darby’s journey from feeling completely worthless to slowly finding her strength again—she throws herself into SAR training like she’s trying to outrun her trauma. Cole, meanwhile, is the classic “holds everyone together except himself” hero, and once his real reason for leaving Darby comes out? Oof. Right in the heart. Boyfriend of the year… eventually.
Buchanan’s writing shines in the emotional moments and rescue scenes—they’re tense and immersive. A few internal struggles dragged a bit, but the chemistry and character growth kept me hooked.
Overall, this is a heartfelt story about two broken people doing everything wrong while trying desperately to get it right. Emotional, romantic, and surprisingly healing. Solid 4 stars—and yes, I may now need therapy, just like Darby.
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